Douglas RNLI lifeboat launched to assist yacht with failed engine

Douglas Tyne Class lifeboat, RNLB Sir William Hillary 47-032, was launched today (18 September) at 3.08pm when a yacht in difficulties called for assistance.

The small yacht with five people on board had been motoring back to Douglas when the engine failed as they were passing Laxey. With the weather, fog and rain, closing in and one of the crew suffering from sea sickness the skipper anchored the yacht just off Clay Head and called for assistance.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.